Nearly 12% of households statewide — representing hundreds of thousands of Arizonans — are food insecure, lacking consistent access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
With the holiday season upon us, the need for resources, from access to benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP — to support from community organizations like food banks, is even more pressing.
So, what options are available to Arizonans in need? And how can community members help?
The state of food insecurity in Arizona
It’s no secret that grocery costs have increased — the USDA reports food inflation has risen by 25% over the last five years, and that cost is continuing to rise. According to an October release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index, which measures the change in average prices paid by consumers, saw a 1.3% increase in the “food at home” category over the last 12 months — that covers grocery staples like meat and eggs, among other foods.
Adding to the challenge, food banks often face increased demand in November and December, which has required them to purchase more food in recent years to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Even with demand pressures, the Arizona Food Bank Network and its member food banks currently serve more than 600,000 people every month.
While food banks play a critical role in meeting immediate needs, many other resources exist to provide long-term support to families and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Federal nutrition initiatives like SNAP, formerly known as “food stamps,” benefit almost 1 million Arizonans monthly, providing eligible households with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to purchase food at more than 4,000 stores across Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Health Services Women, Infants and Children program serves about 140,000 participants each month with nutrition education and breastfeeding support, supplemental nutritious foods and referrals, and health and social services.
Resources for Arizonans experiencing food insecurity
Even when resources are spread thin, many outlets support families and individuals experiencing food insecurity:
• The Arizona Food Bank Network provides a searchable directory of hundreds of food banks, pantries, community centers, shelters and other organizations that distribute emergency food.
• Statewide anti-poverty nonprofit Wildfire offers SNAP enrollment support as well as a free screening tool — Arizona Self Help — that prospective applicants can use to determine eligibility.
Donations and community involvement go a long way when it comes to providing resources to those in need.
Food banks across the state accept donations of most non-perishable foods that are unopened, labeled and in their original packaging. Higher-demand items include peanut butter, canned meat, canned beans, canned fruit, canned soup, canned vegetables, rice, cereal, pasta, juice and bottled water. Pop-top-style quick foods are also desired.
Volunteer opportunities at food banks are plentiful. Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, St. Mary’s Food Bank, United Food Bank, Yuma Community Food Bank and Desert Mission Food Bank are always looking for volunteer support. You also can search “food bank near me” or “food pantry near me” online to find others.
Consider making a monetary donation to help support Wildfire, the Arizona Food Bank Network or your favorite local food bank. Because of economies of scale, financial gifts go a long way to help ensure families can get immediate assistance at a food bank and access to programs that can help fight poverty long term.
Food insecurity is a long-term issue requiring continuous advocacy and support — and community efforts play a critical role.
This holiday season, collective action can make a significant difference, bringing Arizonans one step closer to a future where everyone has reliable access to the food they need to thrive.
Editor’s note: Kelly McGowan is executive director of Wildfire, a nonprofit addressing poverty in Arizona.April Bradham is president and CEO of Arizona Food Bank Network, a coalition of regional food banks. More at azfoodbanks.org.Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
